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ringmod with µmod

I recently got a pile of new modules, replacing a bunch of old modules. Most of these are by Intellijel, a new manufacturer/designer from up in Vancouver (but whose website is way out of date). Intellijel announced a bunch of new designs in late December, and they’ve come to fruition recently. I got a new quantizer called the µScale replacing my A156, a panning/crossfading VCA called the Azimuth to replace the A134 (and maybe the A132-3, as this thing is really great). I also got a module called the µMod which replaced the A133 dual polarizer. I bought the A133 last year for its use in screwing with CV, but I found that I usually ended up using it with audio, as a ring mod. When Intellijel announced the µMod, the description seemed to cover the same territory as one half of the A133, plus a bunch of other features in the form of two rectifying switches and a “Q” knob. Since I never used more than one half of the A133 at a time, I sold that sucker and screwed in the µMod.
Below are three tracks recorded the first night I had this thing. They’re all using very short poppy envelopes made with Maths, and using the Azimuth as a VCA (which is fantastically quick).

The first one here is not exactly “musical,” as it sounds like tapping on a small block of wood. But one thing I love about a ring mod is the percussion.

This track makes use of my Stereo Memory Man w/ Hazarai pedal, with some semi-random triggers clocking its delay.

In addition to the above additions to the system, I’ve also replaced the Hertz Donut with a Malekko/Wiard Anti-Oscillator, and added a STG Wave Folder (which has not yet been installed). I’ll get some sounds from these dudes up soon. Oh, and have I mentioned that I’m obsessing over my new guitar?

2 thoughts on “ringmod with µmod”

I love my µScale, although I’ve had little time to play with it so far. Sounds like I should try out the μMod now, too.

The Anti-Oscillator is one of my favorite sound sources–very “organic” sounding, which is an odd thing to say about an electronic instrument, but you’ll soon see what I mean. I think it has to do with how it responds to modulation in such a subtle way. I’m surprised that you replaced an HD with it, though, because that oscillator is not only totally different, but a lot more feature-packed. Why not keep both?

Hey Jon
If I could keep both I would. But in order to get the new stuff some of the old stuff has to go, both for space and financial reasons. I’ve found that in the patches I make, if I’m using the Donut I’m not using the Malekko Oscillator, and when I’m making patches where I use the Oscillator, I’m usually not using the Donut. Most of what I use the Donut for was the nice FM, but I found that I never really dug the digital stuff that the Donut spits out, and I never really liked the more chaotic nature it either — like the “Stupid” tracking for instance. When I started looking for room in my 9U box to add the Azimuth and the uScale, and knowing that I was going to add the STG Wavefolder and the Flame Talking Synth soon, the Donut became expendable. The Anti, to me, does replace a lot of what I liked about the Donut. It’s a spectacular FM VCO, and the mayhem output can get the raunchy buzzy voices that I liked with the Donut. When you include the Wavefolder into the picture, along with the uLFO that I often use as VCO, I’m not going to miss it too much.
Like any piece of equipment, however, as soon as you unload it, you know that you’ll start thinking of cool stuff that you never tried when you had it.
Thanks for the comment.